Blue Lagoon Croatia (Krknjasi Bay)
HRV
One of the scenic highlights of the Dalmatian Coast, Croatia’s Blue Lagoon (Krknjasi Bay) represents the best of this seaside region. A shallow natural swimming hole located off the east coast of Drvenik Veli—and protected by two smaller islands—the lagoon is known for its glass-clear water and turquoise hue. Little wonder it’s an essential stop on island-hopping tours.
Even amidst the natural splendor of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, the Blue Lagoon (Krknjasi Bay) stands out. Wide, shallow, and with a sandy seafloor, this natural swimming pool is also sheltered from the waves, making it a calm and accessible option for swimmers of all experience levels.
Although there are some narrow, pebbly beaches near the Blue Lagoon, here the azure water is the top attraction, and many visitors skip coming ashore in favor of jumping in straight from their sightseeing vessels. The fastest and easiest way to visit is by booking a boat tour from the nearby hubs of Trogir and Split; many itineraries also pair the Blue Lagoon with other coastal highlights, including the Blue Cave, Maslinica fishing village on Solta, and Hvar.
Although its shallow water makes the Blue Lagoon accessible, it’s still wise to wear floatation gear if you’re not a confident swimmer.
The clear water is best appreciated with snorkeling gear, and many tours will provide equipment for free on board.
Look out for spiny sea urchins, which are sometimes found on the Blue Lagoon’s sandy seabed.
If you plan to come ashore, you can bring water shoes to make navigating the pebbly beaches more comfortable.
The Blue Lagoon is located off the eastern coast of Drvenik Veli island, sheltered by the two smaller islands of Otocic Krknjas Mali and Otok Krknjas Veli. It is roughly 7 nautical miles from Trogir and 14 nautical miles from Split. Speedboat tours can reach the island in as little as half an hour, and guided tours offer the easiest way to visit.
The best time to visit the Blue Lagoon is during the summer high season—by July and August, water temperatures will be warm and comfortable for swimming, and the water at its clear best. However, if you want to avoid the summertime crowds, aim for the September shoulder season, when the water will still be comfortably warm for swimming.
Not to be confused with the similarly named Blue Lagoon, the Blue Cave is another popular stop in the Dalmatian archipelago. Located on the small island of Bisevo (near the larger island of Vis), the sea cave has earned its name for the blue glow of its reflective waters. Look out for combination tours, which visit both highlights in one day.
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